Happy New Year Peaches! 2019! I am thankful for the gift of life and health from the Almighty granting us all access to 2019.

2018 has been a hell of a rollercoaster. Revelatory to say the least. To be fair though, I’ve had some great moments and met phenomenal people hence I appreciate it. All I’m trying to do right now is focus on the good and positive things that 2018 blessed me with but not dismissing the bad moments either. Those are the ones that have shaped me into who I am today. Not bitter at all, but better, composed, stronger and wiser. ‘Never a failure, always a lesson.’

At the Candid Conversations event, I met phenomenal women who made me feel empowered.

I got the luxury to stay at Watamu Treehouse. One of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in Watamu. Made me realize that I love nature and art.

I did yoga for the first time at Watamu Treehouse. It was a new elevating and therapeutic experience.

First time seeing a whale with my naked eyes! I went whale watching at Hemingways in Watamu. Such humongous creatures. I wish I could swim with them.

The bubble Suit at Rock and Sea in Watamu totally wowed me! The interior, set up, nature views! I was lucky to be there in the hidden gem thanks to Stephano who is the Manager. Also, one of the nicest people I have met in Watamu.

Rock and Sea bubble Suit. Eye candy

Attended Breast Cancer Awareness walk. It gives me joy to make a difference in someone’s life. I am also happy to have been a part of Rotaract Club Malindi. Very enlightening!

Attended Youth Innovation event at United Nations in Nairobi through Rotaract Club Malindi – I met brilliant youths that were an inspiration.

I attended the historic Sustainable Blue Economy Conference as a delegate at KICC in Nairobi, Kenya. It was educational and it was a privilege to be in the same room with very prominent persons. I am loooking forward to conserve our country’s Blue Economy!

When I see women in power, it gives me joy and hope in changing the narrative of women in power. We need more women in power for a better future for the girl child.

Collaborated with Aaliya (Imakeuplikethis) and Shahista (makeupbyshahista). It was a first Halloween make up for me and I totally enjoyed it!

My girl Farhana launched her clothline and I will always support my friends so it is also the highlight of my year, because I love seeing my friends winning and I am always here for it. So proud of her!

Attended Farhana’s pop up shop to support my girl. She has an amazing collection!

I partnered with Watamu Transfer Tours and Safaris (still do). Through them, I am learning a lot especially when it comes to our wildlife Conservation and the Tourism Industry. Hence why I want to learn more languages. Through them also, I found my passion and for that I am grateful!

The first people I met through Watamu Transfer Tours and Safaris. Such beautiful and talented souls!

Watched dolphins for the 3rd time. It was one of the best dolphin views with a whole pod of dolphins swimming, diving, and jumping with joy. I’m still yet to swim with them. 2019 goal!

I did snorkeling for the umpteenth time. Swimming while enjoying views of beautiful fish, corals, and all that’s glittery underwater is one of my favorite things to do

Breakfast at the beach. It should be a lifestyle! Amazing views

I met such wonderful people at Watamu Treehouse. Barbara is a total sweetheart!

I learned a new water sports. Stand up paddling at Mida Creek in Watamu. It was intense work out in the scorching sun but totally worth it. Of watersports adventures!

Mida Creek Adventures

SUP sundowners! Amazing!

One of the best most therapeutic experiences in my life was yoga meditation on water. I came out feeling brand new and healed. My mind is clearer than ever. Worked like magic.

Shamsa got engaged! She’s more of a sister than a friend. Words cannot explain how happy I am. May Allah bless your union as we wait for the big day!

And I slayed!! Favorite outfit of 2018. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication!

A few important lessons I learned the hard way in 2018.

Observe not absorb. Being empathetic makes me question if it is a curse or a blessing because I can get sucked up into people’s energy and moods. I get so concerned with hurting peoples feelings more than I do care about mine. That has to change because it’s suffocating.

It is okay to be selfish. A hard one and a bold one too. I came to the realization that you can lay down for people and they will still say your back is not flat enough. Favorite quote because it summarizes everything I have to say about it.

Create boundaries. Walk away from disrespect. It is always so hard to walk away from people we love regardless of how they treat us sometimes. But there’s always a limit. We should stop making excuses for people’s ill behavior, unfiltered words, cheaters, liars, pretenders and back stabbers. Speak up, confront where need be and do not entertain anyone’s disrespectful behaviors towards you. We have to accept that some people will never respect you because they don’t respect themselves. Save yourself from such people.

Financial independence is empowering. So is emotional independence. If you manage to achieve those two, you will live a more peaceful life. Be your own sugar dad

Empowering women and conservation initiatives are vital in the world for better livelihood.

Follow your passion. Life is too short to work in a field you are not interested in, a waste rather. Also, I learned that it is never always about the money, but what gets your creativity wheel spinning!

Incase you didn’t notice, I took a long break from social media sometime in February 2018. As dramatic as it sounds, I was about to lose it! I could not focus. My mind was all over the place. My brains were about to fall out. I had to take a break. I could not form a sentence let alone think right or through things. I cannot really explain what I was going through because wild events were happening in my life back to back like the devil was on a mission to end me. I had to quit so many things and people dear to me to get my peace of mind; to save myself. Shockingly, I took a bolder step by moving to a totally new place where I knew literally nobody – Watamu. Honestly, I needed some quality time alone to regain my sanity. Luckily, I got a job at Watamu Treehouse and ever since, Watamu has become my new founded home. Proudly, I can say that I have found inner peace. It’s not about the people, rather, the place itself; A hidden gem. Exploring and more.

Here I am, today I can think somewhat clearly with no background noises of what if’s n whys. It’s peaceful in my head. However, I am still working on sharpening my listening skills. I am still adjusting my focus. I am still trying to find a way to forgive people completely and forgive myself for hurting people in the process. All I can say is, I don’t have it all figured out. I am a work in progress just like you and I. I might look like I have it all figured out but I’m far from that. Which is why I had to speak out when I was breaking silently for people to understand that I am only but human needing support just like I would support people who needed me. But I work everyday to improve on myself and learning to love myself and people I care about more fiercely. Most importantly, I am trying to work on stabilizing my emotions.

I hope 2019 is going to be a fruitful and prosperous year for everyone. Make everyday count and never lose hope.

To more adventures, new ideas, successful businesses, investments, travel destinations and healthier relationships.

Happy 2019 Peaches!

Live | Love | Laugh

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About Habiba Bien

Hello Peaches! Let's explore food, fashion, events, new places and meet new people. The aim of my lifestyle blog is to promote Local Sustainable Tourism in Kenya by showcasing the beautiful Coast of Kenya through pictures and words. I hope to spark some inspiration through all that I genuinely share with you. Let’s explore our beautiful Kenya! Live, Love, Laugh!